20-time grand slam champion has pulled out of the Paris Masters less than 24 hours after winning his 10th title at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.
The 38-year-old Swiss maestro has made the decision in order to aid his recovery, according to an official statement issued by his team. On Sunday there was speculation that the Swiss player would skip Paris after he told reporters that his ‘main goal is to be perfectly fit for London.’ London will host the ATP Finals, which will get underway on November 10th.
“I am extremely disappointed to have to withdraw from the Rolex Paris Masters.” Said Federer.
“I have to rest myself because I want to play as long as possible on the ATP circuit. I am sorry for my French fans that I will see next year at Roland Garros.”
It is not the first time Federer has opted to skip the tournament following his success in Basel. He also made the same decision back in 2017. Triggering criticism from tournament director Guy Forget who accused Federer of ‘weakening the credibility of the circuit.’
“I am obviously disappointed by this announcement and especially for the public of the AccorHotels Arena (venue of the Paris Masters).” Forget said in a statement.
“Nevertheless, this 2019 edition of the Rolex Paris Masters promises to be exciting, full of challenges, including the allocation of the last places for the Nitto ATP Finals in London and the place of year-end world No.1.”
Federer reached the semi-finals of the event 12 months ago before losing in a three-set thriller to Novak Djokovic. He has only won the tournament once in his career, which was back in 2011. Since his debut in 2000, he has won 23 out of 34 matches played in the French capital.
The world No.3 will be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser. He is the only top 10 player who will be absent from the final Masters event of 2019, which has on offer 1000 ranking points and €995,720 in prize money for the champion.
